Scientific evidence suggests that a strict vegan diet may not be the best option during cancer recovery, as it can lead to deficiencies in protein and vitamin B12. Instead, lacto-ovo vegetarian (includes dairy and eggs) or pescatarian (includes fish) diets provide balanced nutrition while lowering cancer-related risks.
The Mediterranean diet, originating from Greece, Southern Italy, and Spain, is one of the most well-researched and evidence-based healthy eating patterns in the world. Its core principles focus on plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and olive oil, complemented with moderate amounts of fish, poultry, and dairy, while limiting red meat, processed foods, and refined sugars.
In Hong Kong, many cancer survivors are looking for practical dietary strategies to reduce the risk of recurrence. Recent scientific studies suggest that the half-carb fasting diet—a combination of reduced carbohydrate intake and intermittent fasting—offers a promising, safe, and sustainable approach.
In 2015, a study from Johns Hopkins University published in Science sparked widespread discussion. Researchers suggested that most cancers are not entirely caused by external environmental factors, but rather by random “bad luck” gene mutations during cell division. These mutations are like random traffic accidents—unavoidable to some extent.
For many, a cancer diagnosis represents a major life turning point, symbolizing both the risk of mortality and emotional strain on families. While medical advances in Hong Kong have improved survival rates, psychological stress and trauma remain significant challenges for cancer patients.
Blood tests are an essential part of cancer treatment and monitoring. In Hong Kong, doctors routinely order blood tests during chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or follow-up periods to assess the patient’s health, immune function, organ function, and tumor changes.
Many cancer patients worry that sugar may worsen their condition. In fact, all cells — both normal and cancerous — require glucose for energy. However, cancer cells often rely on a unique metabolic pathway called the Warburg Effect, where they rapidly break down glucose through anaerobic respiration, enabling faster growth.
Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) are cancer cells that break away from the primary tumor, enter the bloodstream, and travel to distant organs, where they may grow and form metastases. CTCs are considered critical markers of cancer recurrence and progression.
This is a common concern among cancer patients. Many have heard that “sugar feeds cancer” and therefore consider cutting out sugar completely. In reality, all cells—including healthy cells and cancer cells—require glucose as an energy source.
Research by the World Health Organization shows that about 50% of cancer cases and recurrences can be prevented through a healthy lifestyle. Aside from the few cases caused by genetic inheritance, most cancers are closely linked to poor diet, lack of exercise, obesity, stress, and unhealthy habits.
